Sol LeWitt
Sol LeWitt
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Sol LeWitt was born as Solomon LeWitt on September 6, 1928, in Hartford, Connecticut. He is often referred to by his initials "SL" or his surname.
Birth and Death Dates
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LeWitt passed away on April 30, 2007, at the age of 78.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Sol LeWitt was an American artist and art theorist. He was a prominent figure in the development of Conceptual Art and Minimalism.
Early Life and Background
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LeWitt grew up in a family of modest means, with his parents owning a small business that sold dry goods. He developed an interest in drawing at a young age and attended the Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. LeWitt then went on to study art history at Syracuse University and later received an MFA from Columbia University.
Major Accomplishments
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LeWitt's work spanned multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and printmaking. He is perhaps best known for his wall drawings, which often consisted of geometric shapes and lines that explored the relationship between language and visual expression. LeWitt's work was characterized by its conceptual simplicity and elegance.
Notable Works or Actions
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One of LeWitt's most famous works is "Paragraphs on Conceptual Art," a series of essays written in 1967 that outlined his theories on the relationship between art and language. He also created numerous wall drawings, such as "Incomplete Open Cubes" (1974) and "Four 'Cornered' No. 1" (1980). LeWitt's work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Impact and Legacy
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LeWitt's influence on modern art is undeniable. He paved the way for future generations of Conceptual and Minimalist artists by challenging traditional notions of what constitutes "art." His emphasis on the conceptual over the physical has had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices. LeWitt's work continues to inspire artists, designers, and writers today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Sol LeWitt is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on art and language. His concept of "wall drawing" as a medium has influenced generations of artists. LeWitt's ability to combine intellectual rigor with aesthetic simplicity continues to inspire creatives worldwide.
LeWitt's impact extends beyond the art world, too. He was a pioneer in exploring the relationship between text and image, an aspect that resonates deeply within the realms of design, literature, and even music. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of art to challenge our perceptions and push boundaries.
Quotes by Sol LeWitt
Sol LeWitt's insights on:
I didn’t want to save art – I respected the older artists too much to think art needed saving. But I knew it was finished, even though, at that time, I didn’t know what I would do.
I was not interested in irony; I wanted to emphasize the primacy of the idea in making art.
I believe that the artist’s involvement in the capitalist structure is disadvantageous to the artist and forces him to produce objects in order to live.
A work of art may be understood as a conductor from the artist’s mind to the viewer’s. But it may never reach the viewer, or it may never leave the artist’s mind.
Your work isn’t a high stakes, nail-biting professional challenge. It’s a form of play. Lighten up and have fun with it.
An architect doesn’t go off with a shovel and dig his foundation and lay every brick. He’s still an artist.